The Medicare people told me that for every year you do not have drug coverage they add a per month penalty onto your drug plan once you get it (if you ever do). I don't remember the number but it was like $5 or $10 per month per year. The advantage plans for added Medicare coverage have the part D drug coverage in them and mine comes at no cost for the whole plan. It is true that you never have to have the coverage so it only costs extra if you ever get it.